The numbers are in and what’s clear is that 2016 was filled with moments both hilarious and sublime: a few lucky guests caught a glimpse of the northern lights, whales, bears, puffins and monarch butterflies. Most guests saw osprey, eagles, seals, porpoises, hawks, deer, heron and loons. Weather was phenomenal, countless colorful sunsets, with just a handful of rainy or foggy days.

credit: Dana Freeman Travels

The 2016 Season welcomed back the newly-rebuilt Schooner Ladona after an 18-month restoration. Captains Noah Barnes and J. R. Braugh were very happy to turn in their tool belts and finally go sailing.

When? and Where From?

From late-May to mid-October, 4,016 travelers from all over the United States and Canada, as well as from far-flung places like Indonesia, China, Australia, Scandinavia and Europe experienced the thrill of sailing the protected waters of Penobscot Bay. Crew members hailed from 19 states.

credit: Tammy Kellerado

Cookies or bars are served nearly every day on every windjammer…that works out to about 25,000 cookies per season! It looks like Chef Anna Miller loves serving them, too!

In 2016, the windjammer captains performed 16 wedding or renewal ceremonies and welcomed 30 charters for families, companies and classmates looking to have the schooners to themselves.

credit: Alice Haley

Music and windjamming go hand in hand! From ukeleles and fiddles to flutes and an upright bass, the fleet counted 19 different instruments.

How old?

Guests ranged in age from 9 months to 96 years young, and there were so many birthdays in between that captains couldn’t keep count.

How often? As a testament to their love of windjamming, some passengers sail again and again with Harvey from Flushing NY at 50 trips, the Kramer family at 31 and Bill who has sailed every year since 1978. Every captain reported finding new coves and harbors, exploring different islands and making sure that every guest would have memories to keep them happy until next time.

For more information about sailing in 2017, visit the Maine Windjammer Association website.